Bringing in makers from around the country, the craft event celebrated the handmade and artisan crafted goods being created in America today. That American map up there had little silver stars for folks to give a shout out to their home state!

The general public was invited to sample various crafting supplies and handmade products in Grand Central Terminal. …and yes THAT American map glittered like diamonds from every angle in the terminal. Incredible!

The place was absolutely packed with folks wanting to try their hand at various crafts from embroidery hoops to friendship bracelets to silkscreening.

ConsumerCrafts donated over 400 (!!!) embroidery hoops to the event, teaching a whole new generation about this lost art that is trending again. The kiddos even got in on the action!!

The place was literally filled shoulder to shoulder with people wanting to craft! Exciting, right??

Want to make your own embroidery hoop crafts? Check out the hoops – from minis to ovals to traditional circles – RIGHT HERE on ConsumerCrafts!

Not only were there crafts to make and craft products to admire, but there were things to TASTE.

In addition to the public displays in Grand Central, Martha Stewart also hosted a mini-conference at the Andaz Hotel a few blocks away. From cooking demonstrations to expert panels, the day was packed full of inspiration for the makers and doers and forward thinkers.

…and yes, Martha herself could be found throughout the day at the conference, speaking on panels as well as interacting one-on-one with attendees. I never found an opportunity myself to speak with her one-on-one, but I DID get that chance briefly with the talented and personable Barbara Corcoran. She is as kind and smart in person as she is on the television show Shark Tank.

Hey y’all! I’m Amy Renea, a freelance photographer and writer based out of Hershey, PA. I spend my days chasing children and chickens around the back yard, sipping on dandelion tea and munching on sweet potato chips. Come visit the Nest for All Seasons to learn more about my food, photography, DIY designs and modern garden living! www.anestforallseasons.com

Welcome to Crafts Unleashed: The ideas and inspiration department of ConsumerCrafts.com! Our goal is to spark your creativity and inspire you to create crafts that you love. Go ahead, unleash your craft!